Sunday, January 31, 2010

Whether it's in your personal life or the workplace acknowledgement and support from another person is a powerful thing. And as I wrote in tip#324 and tip#325 one person can make a world of difference for someone feeling lost or hopeless.

I continued to celebrate this idea at 2 recent events I facilitated in Toronto. The first was hosting a panel of experts giving employment advice to job seekers at the IEP Conference for internationally educated professionals. To my amazement this over-capacity crowd spilled out into the hallway proving that many individuals needed help. I, and the panelists, reminded everyone continually of how important it was to network and support one another.

The second event I hosted was an exclusive private screening and motivational talk of the film, Groundhog Day at The Spoke Club. It was here I celebrated and shared one of my favourite movies with many of the close friends and colleagues that have supported me recently during my own challenges. It was an energizing night for all.

The movie Groundhog Day is about transformation. It's about changing your mindset in order to change your current situations. The story features a self-centred weatherman named Phil Connors (Bill Murray) caught in a time warp and forced to live the same day in the same town over and over again. By changing his mindset he was able to break out of this private hell he was in. He focused on thinking of others first and committing random acts of kindness!

After the screening the group discussion lead to identifying the point at which Connors switched over his negative mindset after he sunk into a depression. One person brought up a powerful answer that Connors became optimistic when he finally asked for help and his producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) acknowledged his predicament.

This can be a profound moment for anyone in need. It is the moment of being acknowledged and believed in. And in that moment you can be filled with uplifting energy from the kindness of a friend, colleague or even a total stranger.

Ask For Help

So if you feel caught in your own private hell and can't break out, do your best to ask for help. Whether it's in the workplace or your personal life someone, somewhere will acknowledge your situation. Someone will believe in you and that form of recognition will fill you with positive emotional energy. You will be lifted high above your trapped mindset and see the positives of the negatives you are in.

It may take days, weeks or even years to travel through a challenge you feel caught in. Whatever happens always remember that there will be others along your path that will acknowledge and support your journey.

Happy Groundhog Day (Feb.2nd) to all my readers around the world! Celebrate all the people who are helping you along your life path!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Blind side: Defined as the side on which your vision is limited or obstructed.

I feel I have been blind-sided these past few weeks with unexpected challenges. As I wrote in tip#322 my mind had been unfocused and my confidence shattered for my New Year's business goals.

It's now almost 3 weeks of feeling this way and thankfully I've been seeing the silver lining of this "positive pause" I've been floating in. If you can identify with these periods you'll know it can be mentally and emotionally painful because you can feel helpless and hopeless. You can feel lost and out of options.

And yet the most empowering, uplifting feeling can come from the caring, heartfelt support of friends, family and work colleagues. I truly feel blessed from the small circle of friends I have confided in recently about the depths of my challenges. They continually fill me with unlimited hope.

The drama sports film, The Blind Side, demonstrates the empowering feelings that come from giving AND receiving social support. The story is based on a true story of Michael Oher who was rescued from his impoverished upbringing by Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) and her family.

Leigh Anne's heartfelt actions were so loving and caring that it will inspire you wherever you are in your life journey. And seeing the positive transformations in Michael, his school grades and football playing demonstrates the power of being able to help someone in need. Equally inspiring is how Leigh Anne's entire family was quick to welcome this black youth into their home especially her charismatic little boy S.J. (Jae Head).

So if you feel you've been blind-sided in your life, workplace or career remember that there is always someone somewhere watching your back. You are not alone. And if things are going well right now, be aware that supportive relationships need to be nurtured all the time. Be inspired by Leigh Anne's ability to help others unconditionally. She is a fantastic role-model for women as well as men.

Learn to be in the flow of positive energy that supports and nurtures. And if you watch out for someone else's blind side that same caring energy can lead or inspire someone else to watch out for yours too!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

On January 22, 2010 there were 2 big fundraisers for the Haiti disaster that hit 2 weeks ago. One was the "Hope for Haiti Now" global benefit in the US with it's star-studded, live performances. It was the most widely distributed telethon in history. The other was Canada’s own event, the "Canada For Haiti" fundraiser here in my town of Toronto.

What was inspiring about the Canadian telecast is that it is the first time I've seen 3 different, competing networks come together with well-known hosts from each station: Cheryl Hickey (Global Television), Ben Mulroney (CTV) and George Stroumboulopoulos (CBC Television). Seeing them together reminded me that it is possible to break down invisible, competitive barriers between us.

The catastrophe in Haiti quickly captured the attention of the world. People opened their hearts in a way that inspires hope for us as a human species. It is demonstrating the deeper message of spiritual beliefs like Buddhism, Native Americans and motivational speakers around the world that remind us of our innate connectedness.

The movie Avatar recently won best picture at the Golden Globe Awards and director James Cameron gave an acceptance speech that addressed the most important aspect of the movie. He said he hoped that the award would bring attention to the message of the film’s alien culture of the Na'vi and their innate connectedness to one another and to the wild life and environment of their entire world.

It's a positive message that permeates the dazzling visual effects and has the capability to educate and motivate a new way of thinking. It can help expand a mindset to believe that we are not separate despite invisible barriers we may perceive are between people.

That's why the silver lining of disasters like Haiti, New Orleans and 9/11 is that they remind us we can come together for support on profound levels. We have the ability to put aside our daily routines and issues in the spirit of simply helping a neighbour in distress.

So let these global situations remind you that you are not alone in whatever challenges you face. Be aware that there is the spirit of community that already exists and that helpful souls are already around you. Be a part of this positive flow of energy whenever you can by giving whatever you're able to someone you encounter that needs help.

Do whatever you can whether it's for someone in need on the other side of the planet or in your own neighbourhood. Your thoughtful actions are what keeps our connectedness alive!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

A powerful synchronicity has unfolded for me about the nature of lying. It started with one of my favourite TV shows called Lie to Me. It stars Tim Roth as Dr. Cal Lightman who can detect if people are lying through the science of microexpressions. Each episode is fascinating as well as entertaining.

I was then drawn to read Seth Godin's book, All Marketers Are Liars. This book is about the storytelling marketers create to grab us on a deep gut level and how anyone in business can succeed when they tell a compelling story about their product.

Finally I was compelled to watch the movie The Invention of Lying and the synchronistic message was fully revealed. It had to do with seeing the positive aspects of lying! I realized a new way to look at what truth really is and how that mindset can change YOUR world for the better.

The comedy The Invention of Lying is set in an alternate reality where no one has ever lied and where people always speak their minds. Therefore you get a unique and insightful peak into a world without fiction, imagination or speculation.

This all changes when Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais) suddenly discovers he can "tell things that aren't". For example he experiments with this new gift and tells his friends his name is something completely different and they immediately believe him. No questions asked.

What unfolds is the key factor of what motivational speakers and successful people all over the real world have been telling us. And that is no matter what you currently see YOU have the power to create the change you want. YOU have the ability to tell yourself a different story instead of the one you feel stuck in. So, in an ironic sense, you are telling yourself a lie that results in positive change!

I explored this in tip#317 with other inspiring movies with the same storytelling theme like Shorts and Bedtime Stories. And it is even explored in the film Galaxy Quest. Movies are stories that can help you visualize a different and more satisfying future for yourself.

So realize that you can change your current reality by telling yourself a new story of what you'd like to happen. Choose to believe that the unhappy life or career you're experiencing is ACTUALLY the LIE. Choose to believe that other possibilities exist for yourself and you will discover your true inner power!

You are already a master storyteller. Just unleash the story you truly desire!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

I've had an unexpectedly challenging week despite an amazing first week of the New Year (see tip#320). It's as if I crashed from a sugar rush and was left unfocused, unmotivated and physically lethargic.

Instead of allowing these debilitating problems to consume me I took a break from work and focused on improving my health and state of mind. I researched "brain foods" to improve my sluggish mind like fish, spinach and blueberries and took action to change my diet immediately. Plus I did whatever simple exercises I could push myself to do.

Career Buzz Radio Show

My goal was to be well enough to co-host a live radio show called Career Buzz by the end of the week. Thankfully I achieved this goal and even got energized by the interactions I had with the 2 guests and the host Louisa Jewell.

It was also highly synchronistic that the guests happen to share empowering tips for improving mental health in both life and career. Eleanor Chin of Clarity Partners offered a simple, yet powerful metaphor to help inspire teamwork with the visual of a boulder and everyone coming together to move it as a common goal.

The movie A Beautiful Mind is based on the inspiring life of Nobel Prize winner, John Nash (Russell Crowe) who learns to deal with his paranoid schizophrenia. The story shows how he learns to distinguish between what is real and the 3 personalities that exist only in his mind.

At the end of the film Nash is asked if he still sees these imaginary people and he says yes. The only difference now is he chooses to ignore them. He chose to focus on the present instead of his past.

So let Nash's simple yet profound choice of focus inspire you. Get motivated to know you can overcome any boulder despite how overwhelming or debilitating it seems. You just need to feed your mind with healthy information that is already all around you.

Take time to listen to what your body and mind needs. Recognize the crucial importance of making the healthiest choices you can right now!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Based on a Gallup poll the No. 1 reason people quite their jobs is because of a bad boss. It takes courage to leave a job you are not enjoying. And yet the only spark needed to ignite action is to really know what you want.

In the previous blog article (see tip#320) I wrote about the thought-provoking messages of the movie Up In The Air. George Clooney's character, Ryan, was a mirror for me in that he showed me what I DIDN'T want in my career. His whole existence was about flying constantly alone all over the US and not cultivating any meaningful relationships.

What the movie helped me see is that I want to share the adventure of my business and career with others. What I want is to enjoy my job with people I enjoy working with. Life is too short to waste flying solo AND on negative individuals or energy stealers.

The movie The Devil Wears Prada can help show you what you want and don't want in a career or job. Andrea (Anne Hathaway) is an aspiring journalist fresh out of university who lands a coveted position as a junior personal assistant to the editor-in-chief of a famous fashion magazine.

The challenge is that her boss, Miranda Priestly, (Meryl Streep) is a boss from hell! She is demanding, rude, controlling and condescending. However, Andrea puts up with relentless abuse because she believes the position is a stepping stone for her real passion of journalism.

Over time Andrea begins to let the fashion world transform her into something not aligned with her true self. And though she excels at her job she finally chooses to abruptly leave Miranda during an important fashion event when she realizes what she wants. And what she wants is NOT to become like her boss.

See the Benefits

So see the benefits of negative people around you. They can help you identify what you DON'T WANT in a job or career. Let them help you realize what you DO WANT. That is the benefit of movies with antagonistic characters or villains. They are there to help mirror the path you can choose NOT to travel on.

Ultimately it is your job to emulate the positive role models that demonstrate the future you desire. Celebrate all your favourite cinematic role models and real-life heroes around the world. They knew what they wanted and took action to get it. If they can do it so can you!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Sometimes it takes unexpected change or crisis to help you see what truly matters in your career or life. That can be a crucial step for making the changes you've been wishing for all along.

I've just had an incredible first week of 2010! Each day I received clues and signs reminding me to focus this year on my passion for writing this movie blog. One of these signs was simply a deep knowing that I truly loved writing about movies that are making a positive difference with readers like you.

There are people in the world who have chosen to let go of their passions and dreams in order to get jobs that provide the income they desire. And then there are people, like me, who have chosen to leave a comfortable job and follow my passion for movies and motivating others. It takes a lot of courage for the latter and yet I believe every person is meant to somehow integrate their passions into their career.

That's why there is a silver lining to when professionals are unexpectedly let go from their jobs. It doesn't matter what the reason was for the termination, what matters is the golden opportunity to find a position you are passionate about.

Up In The Air 2009

The movie Up In The Air is filled with characters and situations that can mirror your current career choices. It will make you think about what truly matters to you. The story revolves around Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a corporate downsizing expert and motivational speaker whose job is to let go of employees in businesses across the United States.

There is one key scene where he is terminating an employee who becomes angry about how to care for his two daughters when he is jobless. Ryan surprises the employee by telling him he can now follow his dream for French cooking. Ryan had identified from the man's resume that he once had a passion for cooking and helps him see the silver lining of being let go. You see on the man's face that he had a profound shift in his thoughts.

So let movies you connect with be a mirror to help you see what truly matters to you. Let the movie characters you identify with show you what you want AND don't want in your career. You always have a choice in whatever occupation you desire. Just make sure it is filled with passion!

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Gumption is defined as demonstrating initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness; courage; spunk; guts. If you are looking for more gumption in your career or life then a holiday or a movie hero is what you need for inspiration!

The recent holiday season allowed me to break out of my work mindset and focus on family traditions and enjoy Christmas with friends, great food and energizing conversations. It also allowed me to redefine what I wanted in the New Year.

I had personal and professional goals that I wanted to achieve and knew that to have them come true I needed to begin with activating my positive energy and attitude. And one movie I discovered over the holidays inspired me with a movie heroine who finds her gumption!

The romantic comedy, The Holiday, is definitely for movie lovers because it features characters such as a movie trailer producer, Amanda (Cameron Diaz), a film soundtrack composer, Miles (Jack Black) and a screenplay writer, Arthur (Eli Wallach). So there are many well-known movie references scattered throughout the film.

Iris (Kate Winslet) benefits from all these characters as she escapes heartbreak by trading her home in England with one in L.A. for Christmas time. There she meets Miles who helps re-energize Iris with his love for movie music. And then she meets Arthur who recommends many DVD movies for Iris to watch.

What she later realizes is Arthur was recommending movies with strong female characters. These movie heroines empower Iris because she is able to identify these women as having gumption. She soon makes a personal breakthrough and finally stands her ground and takes action for the life and relationships she truly desires.

"I think what I've got is something slightly resembling gumption."

Watch Your Favourite Movie Heroes

So if you have goals you want to achieve start with empowering your inner energy and attitude. Find your gumption! Take a holiday if you feel that's what it takes to clear your mind. Or watch your favourite movies and become aware of the attitude and strengths of the movie heroes that excite you.

Making positive changes in your career or life means breaking out of your daily routines and habits. Let the power of movies take you to the reality you desire!

Arthur: "Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend."

Iris: "You're so right. You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for god's sake! Arthur, I've been going to a therapist for three years, and she's never explained things to me that well. That was brilliant. Brutal, but brilliant."

Sunday, January 03, 2010

An amazing thing happened the day I posted my previous blog article about making wishes (see: tip#317). In it I wrote about Laura Day's book The Circle and it's inspiring methods for manifesting your desires. Within hours of posting the article I received a comment from this bestselling author thanking me for writing about her!

This response made my day and I saw it as a sign that 2010 was going to be absolutely fantastic! Being contacted by a well-known author like Laura Day for just sharing my passion and personal stories was just another encouraging clue that I will achieve my wishes and goals this year.

The Empty Cup Sign

Another startling clue came at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. I was at a house party dancing in the living room when I suddenly heard people doing the 10 second count down to the new year. Usually I am ready with a glass of champagne for the toast but this time I was holding an empty glass.

I ended up toasting everyone with my empty glass and focused on just celebrating with others who had champagne. Two days later I had an epiphany that it was a special clue and reminder of a Chinese proverb that an empty cup symbolized an open space for knowledge and abundance to pour in. I saw it as a sign that I was ready for my wishes to pour into my life in this brand new year.

Sherlock Holmes 2009

The skills of observing clues and signs permeate the re-imagined movie Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. as the world-famous detective. Throughout the story Holmes demonstrates a keen sense of identifying all the tiniest of details of every person and place he encounters.

By observing what is simply in front of him he can analyze and strategize answers and solutions to his current challenges. Holmes has developed the skills to manifest solutions at lightening speed.

Everyone has the ability to discover answers for overcoming the problems and challenges they face. You just need to stay open to the moment and observe the clues and signs right in front of you. Just maintain a positive attitude and an optimistic mindset. And remember that synchronicity is always in action sending you helpful messages, people and opportunities.

So keep your eyes and ears open for signs and clues coming your way that will solve your current challenges. Be an empty cup so you can be filled with answers you are seeking.

This is a brand new year so why not have brand new thoughts for manifesting your wishes and success. Every clue is already right in front of you!

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About Me

Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman is a Motivational Speaker and an award-winning Blogger & Illustrator working with organizations to inspire RESILIENCE & INDESTRUCTIBLE OPTIMISM for DEPRESSION, MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS through the power of movies. He has been featured in The NEW YORK TIMES, The WASHINGTON POST and The GLOBE & MAIL.
Speaker Clients: TD Canada Trust, Investors Group, The Art Institute of Boston and Royal Ontario Museum.
For info on speaker bookings see: www.motivatorman.com